Page 162 of Hidden Nature

Seconds later, as Joel measured Nash, Sari clapped her hands together. “Now, this is a bathroom. And it goes with your pretty living room. Honey, that kitchen’s just sad.”

“I know it.”

Nash stayed where he was. “You saved her life.”

“She had more to do with that than me.”

“You gave her the chance. I’m glad to meet you.”

“All right then.” Joel held out a hand, and finally smiled. “Same.”

Sloan came bustling back. “For a woman who had to pee, she demanded a tour of the bathroom first. Give me your coat, Joel.”

“Rules is rules. The woman won’t have you tossing your coat over a chair. Has to go in a closet.”

“I’ve noticed. I need to get mine out. I have to get going.”

“Don’t go off on our account.”

“I’ve got work.”

“Build stuff, right? You and your brother.”

“Build, repair, tear out, whatever the client wants.” He took his coat from Sloan. “We got all of that on today’s schedule. Enjoy your visit.” He looked at Sloan. “I’ll see you Sunday. Let’s go, Tic.”

Then realizing his instinct to just leave reached idiotic, he turned back, kissed her.

“Sunday,” he repeated, and took the dog out the door.

Joel waited a beat. “Girl, you got some ’splaining to do.”

She gave him her sweetest smile. “What? That I’m a grown woman, a single woman in an adult relationship with a single man?”

Sari came out of the bathroom, looked at the two of them, glanced around. “Did Mr. Smokin’ Hot leave?”

“He had work,” Sloan told her.

“Well, that’s a shame. That man isfine. You’ve been holding out on us, and I need details.” With a wicked look to Sloan, Sari jerked her head toward Joel. “When he’s not around trying to go big brother on you.”

“We don’t know anything about him.”

“I bet Sloan does. I’m going to sit here by this beautiful fire, with my back to that ugly kitchen. Didn’t you tell us that fine-looking man did some work in here?”

“That’s right. The bathroom—and when I show you the second one, which is in better shape than the other was, you’ll see he and Theo do good work. My father redid the fireplace, and Nash, Theo, and their helper did the rest of the living room.”

She took some pity on Joel. “He’s a good man, works hard and well, has a strong bond with his brother. He respects my work and me, and we enjoy each other’s company.”

“Does he listen when you talk?”

She smiled over at Sari. “Yes, he does.”

“And in that other area we’ll talk about later, does he work hard and well?”

As Joel winced, Sloan laughed. “Yes, he does.”

“All right then. Joel, sit your big brother ass down for a minute. We’ve got some news of our own.”

“What news?”

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